Republic of Korea - F-35 Aircraft Weapons

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress May 21 of a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Republic of Korea (ROK) for F-35 aircraft weapons and associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support for an estimated cost of $793 million.

The Government of the Republic of Korea (ROK) has requested a possible sale of F-35 aircraft weapons. These aircraft weapons include the following:

Also included are containers, missile support and test equipment, provisioning, spare and repair parts, support equipment, personnel training and training equipment, publications and technical documentation, U.S. Government and contractor engineering and technical support, and other related elements of program support. The estimated cost will be $793 million.

This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States by meeting the legitimate security and defense needs of an ally and partner nation. The ROK continues to be an important force for peace, political stability, and economic progress in North East Asia.

The proposed sale will provide the ROK with aircraft weapons for the F-35. These aircraft and weapons will provide the ROK with a credible defense capability to deter aggression in the region and ensure interoperability with U.S. forces. The ROK will use the enhanced capability as a deterrent to regional threats and strengthen its homeland defense. Additionally, operational control (OPCON) will transfer from U.S. Forces Korea/Combined Forces Command (USFK/CFC) to the ROK’s Korea Command (KORCOM) in 2015. This upgrade will enhance the capability needed to support OPCON transfer.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

The principal contractors will be Raytheon Missile Systems Company in Tucson, Arizona; The Boeing Corporation in St Louis, Missouri; Lockheed Martin Missile and Space in Bethesda, Maryland; and Kaman Precision Products in Middletown, Connecticut. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

Implementation of this proposed sale will require multiple trips to Korea involving U.S. Government and contractor representatives for technical reviews/support, program management, and training over a period of eight years. U.S. contractor representatives will be required in Korea to conduct modification kit installation, testing, and training.

There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.

This notice of a potential sale is required by law and does not mean the sale has been concluded.